Former Connecticut DOT Bureau Chief brings decades of transportation planning expertise
HARTFORD, Conn. (Jan. 27, 2026) – Kimberly Lesay has joined HNTB as a practice consultant in the firm’s planning department. In this strategic role, Lesay will leverage her extensive experience in transportation planning and environmental policy to support HNTB’s clients and projects across Connecticut and the Northeast.
Lesay has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including leadership roles at the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), where she served as Bureau Chief of Policy & Planning. In that role, she led multidisciplinary teams responsible for fulfilling federal planning requirements and advanced statewide transportation initiatives. She was responsible for the integration of the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) into CTDOT’s statewide planning process, which improved overall project development and helped identify strategic independent projects for the state. Her leadership also established new units with the Bureau that focused on active transportation as well as sustainability and resilience.
“I am excited to join HNTB and contribute to projects that shape the future of transportation in our region,” said Lesay. “HNTB’s commitment to technical excellence and collaboration aligns perfectly with my passion for delivering sustainable, innovative solutions that serve communities and improve mobility.”
Previously, Lesay managed the Office of Environmental Planning at CTDOT, overseeing regulatory compliance and permitting for major infrastructure projects. She worked closely with federal and state agencies to streamline processes and improve project delivery while protecting environmental resources. In this role, and as Bureau Chief, Lesay successfully led and supported legislative changes on the state level to streamline the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection hearing process.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kimberly to our team,” said Jake Argiro, HNTB’s Connecticut office leader and vice president. “Her deep knowledge of transportation planning and proven ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes will be invaluable to our clients. Kimberly’s leadership and collaborative approach will strengthen our planning practice and help us deliver exceptional results. She will play a key role in supporting strategic initiatives throughout the region.”
Lesay is a recognized leader in the industry, having served on the WTS Connecticut Advisory Board, on the Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors on behalf of the CTDOT Commissioner, and several working groups for the Governor’s Council on Climate Change. She was named WTS Connecticut Woman of the Year in 2021 and is a graduate of the AASHTO Executive Institute.